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What the name “Forty Less One”means: The Apostle Paul, in defending his testimony for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, wrote in 2 Cor 11:24, “Of the Jews five times I received forty stripes save one.”KJV. The NKJV similarly says, “forty less one.” Other translations may be more descriptive, like “forty lashes less one,” but the visual is gruesome in any interpretation. This was the Roman soldiers’ punishment dispensed upon those who were deemed to transgress the laws of the Roman Empire. They did not want to kill the transgressors, but take them to the limit of torture just short of death and it was thought forty would bring death. Paul experienced this five times in his lifetime while preaching and promoting the revelation of the kingdom of God, the good news of Jesus Christ.

After Jesus’ trial, historians believe that He, too, likely received the forty less one, before being forced to carry His own means of crucifixion, the cross, to Calvary. They did not want Jesus to die during the flagging and scourging, but via their ultimate means of torture for the worst offenders, public display, and crucifixion upon the cross. These stripes caused the blood of Jesus Christ to flow, His blood shed on the cross that cleanses us from our sins today, and heals us of diseases and illnesses and provokes miracles that still occur today. “By whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Pet 2:24.

Are we prepared to be bold and suffer persecution for our Savior Jesus Christ and the promises He brought us through His Word? Even today, there are martyrs around the world who were not swayed to absolve themselves of the truth we know as the Gospel of the kingdom of God.

There are many methods by which the gospel can be delivered to the masses. It is my evangelical calling to minister through music and the power of His Word. I pray that if I am ever faced with being a martyr for Jesus Christ, that I, too, will have the strength and courage to take “forty less one” for the honor of the kingdom of God. Amen.

Core beliefs: I believe…

that the Holy Bible is the inerrant inspired written Word of God. 2 Tim 3:16

in the Holy Trinity, the Godhead: the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.

that Jesus is our Messiah, the Christ, God manifested in the flesh. 1 Tm 3:16

that Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead after three days. Matt 27:62-64

that Jesus went to the cross as the prophesied sacrificial Lamb of God to save us all from our sins.

in Jesus’ own words, that “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these, because I go to My Father.”John 14:12 The power we all have available as Christian believers!

that it is by God’s grace that we are saved, and not of works. Eph 2:8,9

that there is no other way into heaven but through Jesus. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”John 14:6“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”Acts 4:12

that no matter what your sins or transgressions, you can be forgiven and saved by the blood of Jesus.

that one must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven, born of water and the spirit. John 3:3, 5

that repentance is an essential command to being saved, to salvation. Matt 18:3, Acts 2:38

that baptism and Holy Communion are important ceremonial commands of the Bible.

that the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit are still active today and were never intended to cease here on earth.

in the power of prayer, strength in unity in the name of Jesus Christ. “Again I say to you, That if two of you shall agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.” Matt 18:19 (NASB)

that healing powers belong to those who believe, the miracles manifested through the laying on of hands, our heavenly Father using us to witness His mercy, grace, and almighty powers.

in a literal six days of creation, a “young earth” as described in Genesis, supported by both the original Hebrew language and modern science.

that we are to immerse ourselves in His word and to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who need not be ashamed.”2 Tim 2:15

If you have any theological questions or have questions regarding His word, I look forward to hearing from you and will do my best to provide an answer using the Word as the ultimate source of authority. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thess 5:21

Also, I encourage you to bring upon this ministry your prayer requests and we will unite in prayer.

Contact this ministry for scheduling a guest performance of these songs and/or preaching the true Word of God by Evangelist Briggle.

Donations appreciated, and needed: If you would like to donate to this ministry, your donation will be greatly appreciated and used to do the Lord’s work. Thank you. PayPal account: john@fortylessone.com

We are all here but for a short season. Are you right with our heavenly Father? If you are unsure, please contact me or your local pastor or minister. Today is the day of salvation. Do not be left behind….

Rock of Ages Complete Bible StudyCleveland, TN–Bible Comprehension and Aptitude, Old and New Testaments

Continuing studies guided by the Holy Spirit and the reading and study of His Word. Church Affiliation: I am privileged to be a member of Monroe Full GospelPentecostal Churchlocated at 5337 E. Albain Rd., Monroe, MI 48161 under the leadership of Senior Pastor Harold Raines and Assistant Pastor Gary Pickrell, where the Word of God is supreme, preached without compromise, for “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Heb 13:8

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Sadly, too many people have been tarnished, damaged, discouraged by religion. Look around; religion is corrupt, and a secular society gladly and earnestly points out man’s flaws and associates them with a presumptuous failing Christianity. But a nurturing relationship with Jesus Christ cannot fail you!

Most people believe in heaven and hell but want to create their own means of entering heaven, discarding Biblical truths and God’s guidelines and warnings on the subject. The Bible clearly says that the only path to heaven is through Jesus Christ, not through Mohammad, Allah, Buddha, Hare Krishna, nor any other “god” or undefined “higher power.” Doing good works or good deeds are evidence of your Christian faith and not means of entering the kingdom of heaven. Do not be deceived; hell is real and your eternal life is at risk!

I present this scenario to you skeptics and unbelievers, the only two options, to those who question the Bible as being the absolute truth, the guide to eternal peace, joy, and freedom in God’s heavenly kingdom: 1) Assuming you are right, and that the Bible is simply a wonderful novel written by creative men, inspired only by their creative abilities to write a series of documents that have survived thousands of years, how much better off are you than I? In that scenario, we both simply die, are buried, go nowhere, and the world continues to evolve. But, 2) If the Bible is the authoritative written Word of God that is the only and complete instruction manual for entry into heaven and escape from hell, then, my friend, I will be in paradise in the presence of God Almighty while you are at great risk of suffering in an eternal state unimaginable and inconceivable to anyone, and it will be too late to repent and find your way back to God. That is what faith is, to know that if you are a follower of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, you will be saved. If not, there is no mercy for you.

Are you saved? If you are questioning your salvation and what will happen to your eternal soul after this life passes you by, please don’t hesitate to contact this ministry. Do not be deceived; “…now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor 6:2 Make the decision now before it’s too late to be right with God. We all die a physical death once, but unbelievers experience a second death (Rev 21:8), separation from God in the torments of hell for eternity.

I do not categorize myself as being in any organized denomination except to say that I am a Bible-believing Christian, “sola scriptura,” guided by the absolute truths in this most sacred living Word of God, and I cherish my personal relationship with Jesus of Nazareth. Is this a contradiction because I profess being a member of Monroe Full Gospel Pentecostal Church? I don’t think so. I am comfortable in any church that teaches and preaches the Word of God without compromise.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I pray that its content has an impact on your attitude toward your relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.